What does "raining" mean?

1. (weather) when water falls from the clouds in small drops. 2. (falling objects) falling in large numbers, like rain. 3. (a period of rain) a period of time when rain falls.

How do you use "raining"?

Almost always used with the impersonal 'it' as the subject.

Is it correct to say "It is raining very strong."?

No — say "It is raining very hard.". In English, we use 'hard' or 'heavily' to describe intense rain, not 'strong'.

raining

v. · n.

US //ˈɹeɪnɪŋ// UK //ɹˈeɪnɪŋ// rain·ing

1 weather (v.)
A1 Beginner

when water falls from the clouds in small drops.

the occurrence of water falling from the atmosphere in drops. Used with the dummy subject 'it'.

Example

It was raining so hard that we decided to stay inside and watch a movie.

Example

It has been raining steadily since dawn, causing the river levels to rise and threatening the low-lying farmland with potential flooding.

Usage

Almost always used with the impersonal 'it' as the subject.
- showering
- pouring
- drizzling
Pitfall

It is raining very strong.

It is raining very hard.

In English, we use 'hard' or 'heavily' to describe intense rain, not 'strong'.
2 falling objects (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

falling in large numbers, like rain.

falling or descending in large quantities, mimicking the action of precipitation.

Example

Confetti was raining down on the players as they celebrated their big win.

Example

Arrows were raining down upon the advancing infantry, forcing them to raise their shields and halt their progress across the open field.
3 a period of rain (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a period of time when rain falls.

an instance or duration of rainfall.

Example

After a heavy raining, the garden looked green and fresh.

Example

The sudden raining caught the hikers by surprise, leaving them drenched before they could reach the safety of the mountain hut.
- rainfall
- shower

Last updated June 20, 2026